Toscana Virus Infection Imported from Elba into Switzerland
Author Information
Author(s): Gabriel Martin, Resch Christiane, Günther Stephan, Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas
Primary Institution: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
Hypothesis
Toscana virus infections should be considered in travelers returning from the Mediterranean area who have fever and signs of meningitis.
Conclusion
The study confirms the presence of Toscana virus on the island of Elba and highlights the public health implications for travelers and local populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Toscana virus is a prominent cause of aseptic meningitis in Mediterranean countries.
- The patient had multiple insect bites on the beach in Elba before falling ill.
- Laboratory diagnosis often relies on detecting immunoglobulin M and G due to low virus levels during acute infection.
- Real-time RT-PCR is effective for differentiating Toscana virus from other related viruses.
Takeaway
A young man got sick after visiting Elba, Italy, and it turned out he had a virus that can cause meningitis, which is spread by sandflies.
Methodology
The infection was confirmed using reverse transcription–PCR (RT-PCR) and serologic testing.
Limitations
Serologic tests may not clearly distinguish between Toscana virus and other related infections due to cross-reactivity.
Participant Demographics
A 17-year-old male patient.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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